Hi this is my first post and I'm kinda nervous so I'm sorry if I come across as too abrupt.

I'm currently setting up my tank and I'm a bit concerned that the filter is a bit big! The tank is an 8 gal Aquael (it came with the filter and a heater), would there be a suitable smaller filter or maybe an external filter. The main problem is the hood as there are only certain slots to put things. Would it be alright to have the tank without the hood as long as I don't fill it up too much so the fishy can't jump out?